3,3-(disubstituted)cyclohexan-1-carboxylate dimers and related compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel 3,3-(disubstituted)cyclohexan-1-carboxylate dimers and related compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and their use in treating allergic and inflammatory diseases and for inhibiting the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

This application is a 371 of PCT/US95/13319 filed Oct. 10, 1995.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel dimers of 3,3-(disubstituted)cyclohexan-1-carboxylate dimers and related compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and their use in treating allergic and inflammatory diseases and for inhibiting the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bronchial asthma is a complex, multifactorial disease characterized by reversible narrowing of the airway and hyperreactivity of the respiratory tract to external stimuli.

Identification of novel therapeutic agents for asthma is made difficult by the fact that multiple mediators are responsible for the development of the disease. Thus, it seems unlikely that eliminating the effects of a single mediator win have a substantial effect on all three components of chronic asthma. An alternative to the "mediator approach" is to regulate the activity of the cells responsible for the pathophysiology of the disease.

One such way is by elevating levels of cAMP (adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate). Cyclic AMP has been shown to be a second messenger mediating the biologic responses to a wide range of hormones, neurotransmitters and drugs; Krebs Endocrinology Proceedings of the 4th International Congress Excerpta Medica, 17-29, 1973!. When the appropriate agonist binds to specific cell surface receptors, adenylate cyclase is activated, which converts Mg⁺² -ATP to cAMP at an accelerated rate.

Cyclic AMP modulates the activity of most, if not all, of the cells that contribute to the pathophysiology of extrinsic (allergic) asthma. As such, an elevation of cAMP would produce beneficial effects including: 1) airway smooth muscle relaxation, 2) inhibition of mast cell mediator release, 3) suppression of neutmphil degranulation, 4) inhibition of basophil degranulation, and 5) inhibition of monocyte and macrophage activation. Hence, compounds that activate adenylate cyclase or inhibit phosphodiesterase should be effective in suppressing the inappropriate activation of airway smooth muscle and a wide variety of inflammatory cells. The principal cellular mechanism for the inactivation of cAMP is hydrolysis of the 3'-phosphodiester bond, by one or more of a family of isozymes referred to as cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs).

It has now been shown that a distinct cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozyme, PDE IV, is responsible for cAMP breakdown in airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells. Torphy, "Phosphodiesterase Isozymes: Potential Targets for Novel Anti-asthmatic Agents" in New Drugs for Asthma, Barnes, ed, IBC Technical Services Ltd., 1989!. Research indicates that inhibition of this enzyme not only produces airway smooth muscle relaxation, but also suppresses degranulation of mast cells, basophils and neutrophils along with inhibiting the activation of monocytes and neutrophils. Moreover, the beneficial effects of PDE IV inhibitors are markedly potentiated when adenylate cyclase activity of target cells is elevated by appropriate hormones or autocoids, as would be the case in vivo. Thus PDE IV inhibitors would be effective in the asthmatic lung, where levels of prostaglandin E₂ and prostacyclin (activators of adenylate eyclase) are elevated. Such compounds would offer a unique approach toward the pharmacotherapy of bronchial asthma and possess significant therapeutic advantages over agents currently on the market.

The compounds of this invention also inhibit the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a serum glycoprotein. Excessive or unregulated TNF production has been implicated in mediating or exacerbating a number of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthrific conditions; sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral malaria, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, silicosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, bone resorption diseases, reperfusion injury, graft vs. host reaction, allograft rejections, fever and myalgias due to infection, such as influenza, cachexia secondary to infection or malignancy, cachexia secondary to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS, ARC (AIDS related complex), keloid formation, scar tissue formation, Crohn's disease, ulcerafive coliris, or pyresis, in addition to a number of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosis.

AIDS results from the infection of T lymphocytes with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). At least three types or strains of HIV have been identified, i.e., HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-3. As a consequence of HIV infection, T-cell-mediated immunity is impaired and infected individuals manifest severe opportunistic infections and/or unusual neoplasms. HIV entry into the T lymphocyte requires T lymphocyte activation. Viruses such as HIV-1 or HIV-2 infect T lymphocytes after T cell activation and such virus protein expression and/or replication is mediated or maintained by such T cell activation. Once an activated T lymphocyte is infected with HIV, the T lymphocyte must continue to be maintained in an activated state to permit HIV gene expression and/or HIV replication.

Cytokines, specifically TNF, are implicated in activated T-cell-mediated HIV protein expression and/or virus replication by playing a role in maintaining T lymphocyte activation. Therefore, interference with cytokine activity such as by inhibition of cytokine production, notably TNF, in an HIV-infected individual aids in limiting the maintenance of T cell activation, thereby reducing the progression of HIV infectivity to previously uninfected cells which results in a slowing or elimination of the progression of immune dysfunction caused by HIV infection. Monocytes, macrophages, and related cells, such as kupffer and glial cells, have also been implicated in maintenance of the HIV infection. These cells, like T cells, are targets for viral replication and the level of vital replication is dependent upon the activation state of the cells. See Rosenberg et al., The Immunopathogenesis of HIV Infection, Advances in Immunology, Vol. 57, 1989!. Monokines, such as TNF, have been shown to activate HIV replication in monocytes and/or macrophages See Poli et at., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 87:782-784, 1990!, therefore, inhibition of monokine production or activity aids in limiting HIV progression as stated above for T cells.

TNF has also been implicated in various rules with other vital infections, such as the cytomegalovims (CMV), influenza virus, adenovims, and the herpes virus for similar reasons as those noted.

TNF is also associated with yeast and fungal infections. Specifically Candida albicans has been shown to induce TNF production in vitro in human monocytes and natural killer cells. See Riipi et at., Infection and Immunity, 58(9):2750-54, 1990; and Jafari et at., Journal of Infectious Diseases, 164:389-95, 1991. See also Wasan et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 35,(10):2046-48, 1991; and Luke et al., Journal of infectious Diseases, 162:211-214,1990!.

The ability to control the adverse effects of TNF is furthered by the use of the compounds which inhibit TNF in mammals who are in need of such use. There remains a need for compounds which are useful in treating TNF-mediated disease states which are exacerbated or caused by the excessive and/or unregulated production of TNF.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The compounds of this invention are represented by Formulas (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic): ##STR1## wherein: R₁ is independently selected from --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) C(O)O(CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) C(O)NR₄ (CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) O(CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, or --(CR₄ R₅)_(r) R₆ wherein the alkyl moieties may be optionally substituted with one or more fluorines;

m is 0 to 2;

n is 1 to 4;

r is 0 to 6;

R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen or a C₁₋₂ alkyl;

R₆ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl, aryl, halo substituted aryl, aryloxyC₁₋₃ alkyl, halo substituted aryloxyC₁₋₃ alkyl, indanyl, indenyl, C₇₋₁₁ polycycloalkyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, furanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, thienyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, or a C₄₋₆ cycloalkyl containing one or two unsaturated bonds; wherein the cycloalkyl or the heterocyclic moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 methyl groups, one ethyl group or an hydroxyl group provided that:

a) when R₆ is hydroxyl, then m is 2; or

b) when R₆ is hydroxyl, then r is 2 to 6; or

c) when R₆ is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or 2-tetrahydrothienyl, then m is 1 or 2; or

d) when R₆ is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or 2-tetrahydrothienyl, then r is 1 to 6;

e) when n is 1 and m is 0, then R₆ is other than H in --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) O(CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆ ;

X is independently selected from YR₂, fluorine, NR₄ R₅, or formyl amine;

Y is independently selected from O or S(O)_(m) ';

m' is 0, 1, or 2;

X₂ is independently selected from O or NR₈ ;

X₃ is independently selected from H, R₉, OR₈, CN, C(O)R₈, C(O)OR₈, C(O)NR₈ R₈, or NR₈ R₈ ;

W is alkyl of 2 to 6 carbons, alkenyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms or alkynyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms;

R₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of --CH₃ and --CH₂ CH₃ unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or more fluorines;

s is 0 to 4;

Z is independently selected from C(Y')R₁₄, C(O)OR₁₄, C(Y')NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NR₁₀)NR₁₀ R₁₄, CN, C(NOR₈)R₁₄, C(O)NR₈ NR₈ C(O)R₈, C(O)NR₈ NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NOR₁₄)R₈, C(NR₈)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NR₁₄)NR₈ R₈, C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NCN)SR₉, (2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl), (4- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,3!), (3- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,4!), (5-tetrazolyl), (2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl), (3- or 5-oxadiazolyl 1,2,4!), (2-oxadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-thiadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolidinyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolidinyl), or (2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolidinyl); wherein all of the heterocylic ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R₁₄ ;

Y' is independently selected from O or S;

R₇ is --(CR₄ R₅)_(q) R₁₂ or C₁₋₆ alkyl 3wherein the R₁₂ or C₁₋₆ alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by methyl or ethyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 fluorines, --F, --Br, --Cl, --NO₂, --NR₁₀ R₁₁, --C(O)R₈, --CO₂ R₈, --O(CH₂)_(q) R₈, --CN, --C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --O(CH₂)_(q) C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --O(CH₂)_(q) C(O)R₉, --NR₁₀ C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --NR₁₀ C(O)R₁₁, --NR₁₀ C(O)OR₉, --NR₁₀ C(O)R₁₃, --C(NR₁₀)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --C(NCN)SR₉, --NR₁₀ C(NCN)SR₉, --NR₁₀ C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --NR₁₀ S(O)₂ R₉, --S(O)_(m) 'R₉, --NR₁₀ C(O)C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --NR₁₀ C(O)C(O)R₁₀, or R₁₃ ;

q is 0, 1, or 2;

R₁₂ is independently selected from R₁₃, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, (2-, 3; or 4-pyridyl), pyrimidyl, pyrazolyl, (1- or 2-imidazolyl), pyrrolyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, furanyl, (2- or 3-thienyl), quinolinyl, naphthyl, or phenyl;

R₈ is independently selected from hydrogen or R₉ ;

R₉ is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one to three fluorines;

R₁₀ is independently selected from OR₈ or R₁₁ ;

R₁₁ is independently selected from hydrogen, or C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines; or when R₁₀ and R₁₁ are as NR₁₀ R₁₁ they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring comprised of carbon or carbon and at least one additional heteroatom selected from O, N, or S;

R₁₃ is independently selected from oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, or thiadiazolyl, and each of these heterocyclic rings is connected through a carbon atom and each may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or two C₁₋₂ alkyl groups;

R₁₄ is independently selected from hydrogen or R₇ ; or when R₁₀ and R₁₄ are as NR₁₀ R₁₄ they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring comprised of carbon or carbon and one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S;

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

This invention also relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

The invention also relates to a method of mediation or inhibition of the enzymatic activity (or catalytic activity) of PDE IV in mammals, including humans, which comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) as shown below.

The invention further provides a method for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory disease which comprises administering to a mammal, including humans, in need thereof, an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic).

The invention also provides a method for the treatment of asthma which comprises administering to a mammal, including humans, in need thereof, an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) alone or in combination with another of its sister compounds.

This invention also relates to a method of inhibiting TNF production in a mammal, including humans, which method comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) alone or in combination with another of its sister compounds. This method may be used for the prophylactic treatment or prevention of certain TNF mediated disease states amenable thereto.

This invention also relates to a method of treating a human afflicted with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which comprises administering to such human an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic).

Compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) are also useful in the treatment of additional vital infections, where such viruses are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo.

In addition, compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) are also useful in treating yeast and fungal infections, where such yeast and fungi are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention also relates to a method of mediating or inhibiting the enzymatic activity (or catalytic activity) of PDE IV in a mammal in need thereof and to inhibiting the production of TNF in a mammal in need thereof, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective amount of at least one of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic).

Phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors are useful in the treatment of a variety of allergic and inflammatory diseases including: asthma, chronic bronchitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, eosinophilic granuloma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury of the myocardium and brain, chronic glomerulonephritis, endotoxic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, PDE IV inhibitors are useful in the treatment of diabetes insipidus and central nervous system disorders such as depression and multi-infarct dementia.

The viruses contemplated for treatment herein are those that produce TNF as a result of infection, or those which are sensitive to inhibition, such as by decreased replication, directly or indirectly, by the TNF inhibitors of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic). Such viruses include, but are not limited to HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-3, cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza, adenovirus find the Herpes group of viruses, such as, but not limited to, Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex.

This invention more specifically relates to a method of treating a mammal, afflicted with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which comprises administering to such mammal an effective TNF inhibiting amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic).

The compounds of this invention may also be used in association with the veterinary treatment of animals, other than in humans, in need of inhibition of TNF production. TNF mediated diseases for treatment, therapeutically or prophylactically, in animals include disease states such as those noted above, but in particular viral infections. Examples of such viruses include, but are not limited to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or other retrovital infection such as equine infectious anemia virus, caprine arthritis virus, visna virus, maedi virus and other lentiviruses.

The compounds of this invention are also useful in treating yeast and fungal infections, where such yeast and fungi are sensitive to upregulation by TNF or will elicit TNF production in vivo. A preferred disease state for treatment is fungal meningitis. Additionally, the compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) may be administered in conjunction with other drugs of choice for systemic yeast and fungal infections. Drugs of choice for fungal infections, include but are not limited to the class of compounds called the polymixins, such as Polymycin B, the class of compounds called the imidazoles, such as clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, and ketoconazole; the class of compounds called the triazoles, such as fluconazole, and itranazole, and the class of compound called the Amphotericins, in particular Amphotericin B and liposomal Amphotericin B.

The compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) may also be used for inhibiting and/or reducing the toxicity of an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial or anti-viral agent by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) to a mammal in need of such treatment. Preferably, a compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) is administered for inhibiting or reducing the toxicity of the Amphotericin class of compounds, in particular Amphotericin B.

The term "C₁₋₃ alkyl", "C₁₋₄ alkyl", "C₁₋₆ alkyl" or "alkyl" groups as used herein is meant to include both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 10, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including, but not limited to methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, and the like.

"Alkenyl" means both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 6 carbon lengths, unless the chain length is limited thereto, including but not limited to vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-propynyl, or 3-methyl-2-propenyl.

The term "cycloalkyl" or "cycloalkyl alkyl" means groups of 3-7 carbon atoms, such as cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopentyl, or cyclohexyl.

"Aryr" or "aralky", unless specified otherwise, means an aromatic ring or ring system of 6-10 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, or naphthyl. Preferably the aryl is monocyclic, i.e, phenyl. The alkyl chain is meant to include both straight or branched chain radicals of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

"Heteroaryl" means an aromatic ring system containing one or more heteroatoms, such as imidazolyl, triazolyl, oxazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, furanyl, or thienyl.

"Halo" means all halogens, i.e., chloro, fluoro, bromo, or iodo.

"Inhibiting the production of IL-1" or "inhibiting the production of TNF" means:

a) a decrease of excessive in vivo IL-1 or TNF levels, respectively, in a human to normal levels or below normal levels by inhibition of the in vivo release of IL-1 by all cells, including but not limited to monocytes or macrophages;

b) a down regulation, at the translational or transcriptional level, of excessive in vivo IL-1 or TNF levels, respectively, in a human to normal levels or below normal levels; or

c) a down regulation, by inhibition of the direct synthesis of IL-1 or TNF levels as a postranslational event.

The phrase "TNF mediated disease or disease states" means any and all disease states in which TNF plays a role, either by production of TNF itself, or by TNF causing another cytokine to be released, such as but not limited to IL-1 or IL-6. A disease state in which IL-1, for instance is a major component, and whose production or action, is exacerbated or secreted in response to TNF, would therefore be considered a disease state mediated by TNF. As TNF-β (also known as lymphotoxin) has close structural homology with TNF-α (also known as cacheca), and since each. induces 'similar biologic responses and binds to the same cellular receptor, both TNF-α and TNF-β are inhibited by the compounds of the present invention and thus are herein referred to collectively as "TNF" unless specifically delineated otherwise. Preferably TNF-α is inhibited.

"Cytokine" means any secreted polypeptide that affects the functions of cells, and is a molecule which modulates interactions between cells in immune, inflammatory, or hermatopoietic responses. A cytokine includes, but is not limited to, monokines and lymphokines regardless of which cells produce them. The cytokine inhibited by the present invention for use in the treatment of a HIV-infected human must be a cytokine which is implicated in (a) the initiation and/or maintenance of T cell activation and/or activated T cell-mediated HIV gene expression and/or replication, and/or (b) any cytokine-mediated disease associated problem such as cachexia or muscle degeneration. Preferrably, this cytokine is TNF-α.

Preferred compounds are as follows:

While the following preferred compounds are more or less described in terms of preferring a symetrical molecule, each substituent described herein above, and below, may be independently varied based on the definitions of each provided herein. For example R₁ may be a cyclopentyl group and a CF₃ group within the same molecule of a given embodiment of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic). Similarly each and every one of the other groups may be independently selected, or may be the same, in any given embodiment of this invention.

When R₁ is an alkyl substituted by 1 or more halogens, the halogens are preferably fluorine and chlorine, more preferably a C₁₋₄ alkyl substituted by 1 or more fluorines. The preferred halo-substituted alkyl chain length is one or two carbons, and most preferred are the moieties --CF3, --CH₂ F, --CHF2, --CF₂ CHF₂, --CH₂ CF₃, and --CH₂ CHF₂. Preferred R₁ substitutents are CH₂ -cyclopropyl, CH₂ -C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₄₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₇₋₁₁ polycycloalkyl, (3- or 4-cyclopentenyl), phenyl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, benzyl or C₁₋₂ alkyl which is either unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or more fluorines, --(CH₂)₁₋₃ C(O)O(CH₂)₀₋₂ CH₃, --(CH₂)₁₋₃ O(CH₂)₀₋₂ CH₃, and --(CH₂)₂₋₄ OH.

When the R₁ term contains the moiety (CR₄ R₅), the R₄ and R₅ terms are independently hydrogen or alkyl. This allows for branching of the individual methylene units as (CR₄ R₅)_(n) or (CR₄ R₅)_(m) ; each repeating methylene unit is independent of the other, e.g., (CR₄ R₅)_(n) wherein n is 2 can be --CH₂ CH(--CH₃)--, for instance. The individual hydrogen atoms of the repeating methylene unit or the branching hydrocarbon can be unsubstituted or substituted by fluorine independent of each other to yield, for instance, the preferred R₁ substitutions, as noted above.

When R₁ is a C₇₋₁₁ polycycloalkyl, examples are bicyclo 2.2.1!-heptyl, bicyclo 2.2.2!octyl, bicyclo 3.2.1!octyl, tricyclo 5.2.1.0²,6 !decyl, etc. additional examples of which are described in Saccamano et al., WO 87/06576, published Nov. 5, 1987.

W is preferably alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl of 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and where it is alkenyl or alkynyl, that one or two double or triple bonds be present.

Z is preferably C(O)R₁₄, C(O)OR₁₄, C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NR₁₀)NR₁₀ R₁₄, CN, C(NOR₈)R₈, C(O)NR₈ NR₈ C(O)R₈, C(NR₈)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NCN)SR₉, (1-, 4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-imidazolyl), (1-, 4- or 5-{R₈ }-3-pyrazolyl), (1-, 2- or 5-{R₈ }-4-triazolyl 1,2,3!), (1-, 2-, 4- or 5-{R₈ }-3-triazolyl 1,2,4!), (1- or 2-{R₈ }-5-tetrazolyl), (4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-oxazolyl), (3- or 4-{R₈ }-5-isoxazolyl), (3-{R₈ }-5-oxadiazolyl 1,2,4!), (5-{R₈ }-3-oxadiazolyl 1,2,4!), (5-{R₈ }-2-oxadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (5-{R₈ }-2-thiadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-thiazolyl), (4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-oxazolidinyl), (4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-thiazolidinyl),(1-, 4- or 5-{R₈ }-2-imidazolidinyl); most preferred are those compounds wherein the R₈ group of Z is R₄. Z is preferably C(O)R₁₄, C(O)OR₁₄, or C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₄.

Preferred X groups are those wherein X is YR₂ and Y is oxygen. The preferred X₂ group is oxygen. The preferred X₃ group is hydrogen. Preferred R₂ groups, where applicable, are C₁₋₂ alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or more halogens. The halogen atoms are preferably fluorine and chlorine, more preferably fluorine. More preferred R₂ groups are those wherein R₂ is methyl, or the fluorosubstituted alkyls, specifically a C₁₋₂ alkyl, such as a --CF₃, --CHF₂, or --CH₂ CHF₂ moiety. Most preferred are the --CHF₂ and --CH₃ moieties.

Preferred R₇ moieties include unsubstituted or substituted --(CH₂)₁₋₂ (cyclopropyl), --(CH₂)₀₋₂ (cyclobutyl), --(CH₂)₀₋₂ (cyclopentyl), --(CH₂)₀₋₂ (cyclohexyl), --(CH₂)₀₋₂ (2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl), --(CH₂)₁₋₂ (2-imidazolyl), --(CH₂)₂ (4-morpholinyl), --(CH₂)₂ (4-piperazinyl), --(CH₂)₁₋₂ (2-thienyl), --(CH₂)₁₋₂ (4-thiazolyl), and --(CH₂)₀₋₂ phenyl;

Preferred rings when R₁₀ and R₁₁ in the moiety --NR₁₀ R₁₁ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 5 to 7 membered ting comprising carbon alone or carbon and at least one additional heteroatom selected from 0, N or S include, but are not limited to 1-imidazolyl, 2-CR₈)-1-imidazolyl, 1-pyrazolyl, 3-(R₈)-1-pyrazolyl, 1-triazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 5-(R₈)-1-triazolyl, 5-(R₈)-2-triazolyl, 5-(R₈)-1-tetrazolyl, 5-(R₈)-2-tetrazolyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 2-tetrazolyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, 4-(R₈)-1-piperazinyl, or pyrrolyl ring.

Preferred rings when R₁₀ and R₁₄ in the moiety --NR₁₀ R₁₄ together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a 5 to 7 membered ring containing at least one additional heteroatom selected from O, N or S include, but are not limited to 1-imidazolyl, 1-pyrazolyl, 1-triazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 1-tetrazolyl, 2-tetrazolyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, and pyrrolyl. The respective rings may be additionally substituted, where applicable, on an available nitrogen or carbon by the moiety R₇ as described herein for Formula (I). Illustrations of such carbon substitutions include, but are not limited to, 2-(R₇)-1-imidazolyl, 4-(R₇)-1-imidazolyl, 5-(R₇)-1-imidazolyl, 3-(R₇)-pyrazolyl, 4-(R₇)-1-pyrazolyl, 5-(R₇)-1-pyrazolyl, 4-(R₇)-2-triazolyl, 5-(R₇)-2-triazolyl, 4-(R₇)-1-triazolyl, 5-(R₇)-1-triazolyl, 5-(R₇)-1-tetrazolyl, and 5-(R₇)-2-tetrazolyl. Applicable nitrogen substitution by R₇ includes, but is not limited to, 1-(R₇)-2-tetrazolyl, 2-(R₇)-1-tetrazolyl, 4-(R₇)-1-piperzinyl. Where applicable, the ring may be substituted one or more times by R₇.

Preferred groups for NR₁₀ R₁₄ which contain a heterocyclic ring are 5-(R₁₄)-1-tetrazolyl, 2-(R₁₄)-1-imidazolyl, 5-(R₁₄)-2-tetrazolyl, or 4-(R₁₄)-1-piperazinyl.

Preferred rings for R₁₃ include (2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl), (4- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,3!), (3- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,4!), (5-tetrazolyl), (2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl), (3- or 5-oxadiazolyl 1,2,4!), (2-oxadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-thiadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolidinyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolidinyl), or (2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolidinyl).

When the R₇ group is substituted by a heterocyclic ring such as imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, or thiazolyl, the heterocyclic ring itself may be substituted by R₈ either on an available nitrogen or carbon atom, such as 1-(R₈)-2-imidazolyl, 1-(R₈)-4-imidazolyl, 1-(R₈)-5-imidazolyl, 1-(R₈)-3-pyrazolyl, 1-(R₈)-4-pyrazolyl, 1-(R₈)-5-pyrazolyl, 1-(R₈)-4-triazolyl, or 1-(R₈)-5-triazolyl. Where applicable, the ring may be substituted one or more times by R₈.

Preferred are those compounds of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) wherein R₁ is --CH₂ -cyclopropyl, --CH₂ -C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl, --C₄₋₆ cycloalkyl unsubstituted or substituted with an hydroxyl group, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, (3- or 4-cyclopentenyl), benzyl or --C₁₋₂ alkyl optionally substituted by 1 or more fluorines, and --(CH₂)₂₋₄ OH; R₂ is methyl or fluoro-substituted alkyl, W is alkynyl or 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

Most preferred are those compounds wherein R₁ is --CH₂ -cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, 3-hydroxycyclopentyl, methyl or CF₂ H; X is YR₂ ; Y is oxygen; X₂ is oxygen; X₃ is hydrogen; R₂ is CF₂ H or methyl and W is 1,3-butadiynyl, and Z is C(O)OR₁₄.

Exemplified compounds are:

1,4-bis-{ methyl c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl),r-1-cyclohexane carboxylate!-4-yl}buta-1,3-diyne, and;

1,4-bis-{ c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid!-4-yl }buta-1,3-diyne,

All of the compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) are useful in the method of inhibiting the production of TNF, preferably by macrophages, monocytes or macrophages and monocytes, in a mammal, including humans, in need thereof. These compounds are useful in the method of inhibiting or mediating the enzymatic or catalytic activity of PDE IV and in treatment of disease states mediated thereby.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the instant compounds, where they can be prepared, are also intended to be covered by this invention. These salts will be ones which are acceptable in their application to a pharmaceutical use. By that it is meant that the salt will retain the biological activity of the parent compound and the salt will not have untoward or deleterious effects in its application and use in treating diseases.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are prepared in a standard manner. The parent compound, dissolved in a suitable solvent, is treated with an excess of an organic or inorganic acid, in the case of acid addition salts of a base, or an excess of organic or inorganic base where the molecule contains a COOH for example.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent and some amount of one or more compounds of this invention. The compound may be present in an amount to effect a physiological response, or it may be present in a lesser amount such that the user will need to take two or more units of the composition to effect the treatment intended. These compositions may be made up as a solid, liquid or in a gaseous form. Or one of these three forms may be transformed to another at the time of being administered such as when a solid is delivered by aerosol means, or when a liquid is delivered as a spray or aerosol.

The nature of the composition and the pharmaceutical carrier or diluent will; of course, depend upon the intended route of administration, for example parenterally, topically, orally or by inhalation.

For topical administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a cream, ointment, liniment, lotion, pastes, aerosols, and drops suitable for administration to the skin, eye, ear, or nose.

For parenteral administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a sterile injectable liquid such as an ampule or an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension.

For oral administration the pharmaceutical composition will be in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, pellet, atroche, lozenge, syrup, liquid, or emulsion.

When the pharmaceutical composition is employed in the form of a solution or suspension, examples of appropriate pharmaceutical carriers or diluents include: for aqueous systems, water, for non-aqueous systems, ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, liquid paraffins .and mixtures thereof with water; for solid systems, lactose, kaolin and mannitol; and for aerosol systems, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorotrifluoroethane and compressed carbon dioxide. Also, in addition to the pharmaceutical carrier or diluent, the instant compositions may include other ingredients such as stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, lubricants, suspending agents, viscosity modifiers and the like, provided that the additional ingredients do not have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic action of the instant compositions.

The pharmaceutical preparations thus described are made following the conventional techniques of the pharmaceutical chemist as appropriate to the desired end product.

In these compositions, the amount of carrier or diluent will vary but preferably will be the major proportion of a suspension or solution of the active ingredient. When the diluent is a solid it may be present in lesser, equal, or greater amounts than the solid active ingredient.

Usually a compound of this invention is administered to a subject in a composition comprising a nontoxic amount sufficient to produce an inhibition of the symptoms of a disease in which leukotrienes are a factor. Topical formulations will contain between about 0.01 to 5.0% by weight of the active ingredient and will be applied as required as a preventative or curative agent to the affected area. When employed as an oral, or other ingested or injected regimen, the dosage of the composition is selected from the range-of from 50 mg to 1000 mg of active ingredient for each administration. For convenience, equal doses will be administered 1 to 5 times daily with the daily dosage regimen being selected from about 50 mg to about 5000 mg.

No unacceptable toxicological effects arc expected when these compounds are administered in accordance with the present invention.

METHODS OF PREPARATION

Synthetic Scheme(s) With Textual Description

Compounds of Formula (Ia), wherein W is 1, B-butadiynyl and wherein A and B represent Z as defined above or a group convertible to Z, may be prepared by the processes disclosed heroin which comprise, for example, coupling of a molecule of the Formula 1-Scheme 1 with a molecule of the formula 2-Scheme 1 using an appropriate metal salt, such as cupric acetate, in a suitable solvent, such as DMF or pyridine, or a combination, such as pyridine/methanol/water, as in the method of Eglington and Galbraith (J. Chem. Sec., 1959, 889), to provide a compound of the Formula 3-Scheme 1. Compounds of Formula (Ib), wherein W is a 1,3-butadiynyl and wherein A and B represent Z as defined above or a group convertible to Z, may be prepared by the analogous processes. ##STR2##

Likewise, compounds of Formula (Ic) wherein W is a 1,3-butadiynyl and wherein A and B represent Z as defined above or a group convertible to Z and wherein X₄ represents X₄ as defined above or a group convertible to X₄, may be prepared by the processes disclosed herein which comprise, for example, coupling of a molecule of the Formula 1 -Scheme 2 with a molecule of the Formula 2-Scheme 2 using an appropriate metal salt, such as cupric acetate, in a suitable solvent, such as DMF or pyridine, or a combination, such as pyridine/methanol/water, as in the method of Eglington and Galbraith (J. Chem. Soc., 1959, 889), to provide a compound of the Formula 3-Scheme 2. ##STR3##

Reduction of a compound of Formula (Ic), wherein W is a 1,3-butadiynyl and wherein Z represents Z as defined above or a group convertible to Z, to a compound of Formula (Ic) wherein W is a fully saturated hydrocarbon chain (i.e., n-butyl) may be accomplished using, e.g., palladium metal according to the method of Tedeschi (J. Org. Chem., 1962, 27, 2398), or, e.g., platinum oxide according to the method of Jutz (Ber., 1958, 91, 1867) or that of Suzuki and Kurosawa (Chem. Lett., 1980, 1177). Reduction of a compound of Formula (Ic), wherein W is a 1,3-butadiynyl and wherein Z represents Z as defined above or a group convertible to Z, to provide a compound of the Formula (Ic) wherein W is a 1,3, butadienyl may be accomplished using, e.g., the hydroboration-protonolysis procedure of Zweifel and Polston (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1970, 92, 4068), or, e.g., the hydroalumination-protonolysis procedure of Zweifel et al. (Synthesis, 1977, 52).

Alternatively, compounds of Formulas (la) and (Ib), wherein W and Z represent W and Z as defined above or a group convertible to W or Z, may be prepared from the corresponding ketones as, e.g., compound 1-Scheme 3, by the synthetic procedures described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/099,900P50185 filed Jul. 30, 1993 and its progeny U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130214 filed Oct. 1, 1993; syntheses of such ketone starting materials are described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130215 filed Oct. 1, 1993 and its progeny PCT application PCT\US94\10815. ##STR4##

Likewise, compounds of Formula (Ic), wherein W, X₄ and Z represent W, X₄ and Z as defined above or a group convertible to W, X₄ or Z, may be prepared from the corresponding ketones as, e.g., compound 1-Scheme 4. by the synthetic procedures described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/099,900 filed Jul. 30, 1993 and its progeny U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130214 filed Oct. 1, 1993; syntheses of such ketone starting materials are described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130215 filed Oct. 1, 1993 and its progeny PCT application PCT\US94\10815. ##STR5##

Depending upon the exact nature of the Z groups of the compounds of Formula (Ia) and (Ib) and the Z and X₄ groups of the compounds of Formula (Ic), the Z and X₄ groups may require protection during the coupling and/or reductive steps described herein, followed by deprotection, to provide Formula (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) compounds, as in processes described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/099,900 filed Jul. 30, 1993 and its progeny U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130214 filed Oct. 1, 1993 (incorporated herein by reference); such protective groups are well known to those skilled in the art. (See: Greene; T. and Wuts, P. G. M., Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2nd Ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1991.)

Preparation of the remaining compounds of the Formula (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) may be accomplished by procedures analogous to those described above and in the Examples, infra.

It will be recognized that compounds of Formula (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) may exist in distinct diastereomeric forms possessing distinct physical and biological properties; such isomers may be separated by standard chromatographic methods.

The several patent applications set forth herein are incorporated herein by reference in full as if set forth herein.

The following examples are given to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it in any fashion. Reference is made to the claims for what is reserved to the inventor hereunder:

SYNTHETIC EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of 1,4-bis-{ c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexancarboxylic acid!-3-yl}buta-1,3-diyne

1a) cis- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-formylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid!

To a suspension of cis- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-cyano-cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid!(1.002 g, 2.91 mmol, prepared as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/099,900P50185 filed Jul. 30, 1993 and its progeny U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/130214 filed Oct. 1, 1993) in toluene (30 mL) at 0° C. under an argon atmosphere is dropwise added over 15 min a 1.0 M solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride in toluene (6.00 mL, 6.00 mL). The solution is stirred for 2 h at room temperature, then is quenched at 0° C. with saturated ammonium chloride, is diluted with ethyl acetate and 10% hydrochloric acid (50 mL) and is extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The extract is dried (magnesium sulfate) and is evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography provides cis- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-formylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid!.

1b) trans- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-ethynylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid!

A solution of dimethyl (diazomethyl)phosphonate (0.30 g, 2.0 mmole, prepared as in Seyferth, D.; Marmot, R. S.; Hilbert, P. J. Org. Chem. 1971, 36(10), 1379-1386) dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) at -78° C. is added via cannulation to a solution of potassium t-butoxide (0.169 g, 1.50 mmol) dissolved in dry tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) at -78° C. under an argon atmosphere. After 15 min, a solution of cis- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-formylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid! (0.173 g, 0.5 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) at -78° C. is added rapidly. The reaction is allowed to warm gradually to room temperature over 1 h and then is stirred for an additional hour. The reaction is quenched with saturated ammonium chloride, is acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid, is extracted three times with dichloromethane, the extract is dried (magnesium sulfate) and is evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography provides trans- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-ethynylcyclohexane- 1-carboxylic acid!.

1c) 1,4-bis-{ c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid!-3-yl}buta-1,3-diyne

A mixture of trans- 3-(3-cyclopentyloxy4-methoxyphenyl)-3-ethynylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid! (0.101 g, 0.29 mmol) and copper acetate monohydrate (0.176 g, 0.88 mmol) in dimethylformamide (2 mL) is stirred at 70°-75° C. under an argon atmosphere for 3 h. Additional copper acetate monohydrate (0.175 g, 0.88 mmol) is added and stirring is continued for 16 h. The reaction is diluted with water and is extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed three times with water, once with brine, is dried (magnesium sulfate) and is evaporated. Purification by flash chromatography provides 1,4-bis-{ c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid!-3-yl }buta-1,3-diyne.

UTILITY EXAMPLES Example A Inhibitory effect of compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) on in vitro TNF production by human monocytes

The inhibitory effect of compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) on in vitro TNF production by human monocytes may be determined by the protocol as described in Badger et al., EPO published Application 0 411 754 A2, Feb. 6, 1991, and in Hanna, WO 90/15534, Dec. 27, 1990.

Example B

Two models of endotoxic shock have been utilized to determine in vivo TNF activity for the compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic). The protocol used in these models is described in Badger et al., EPO published Application 0 411 754 A2, Feb. 6, 1991, and in Hanna, WO 90/15534, Dec. 27, 1990.

The compound of Example 1 herein demonstrated a positive in vivo response in reducing serum levels of TNF induced by the injection of endotoxin.

Example C Isolation of PDE Isozymes

The phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity and selectivity of the compounds of Formulas (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic) can be determined using a battery of five distinct PDE isozymes. The tissues used as sources of the different isozymes are as follows: 1) PDE lb, porcine aota; 2) PDE Ic, guinea-pig heart; 3) PDE III, guinea-pig heart; 4) PDE IV, human monocyte; and 5) PDE V (also called "Ia"), canine trachealis. PDEs Ia, Ib, Ic and III are partially purified using standard chromatographic techniques Torphy and Cieslinski, Mol. Pharmacol., 37:206-214, 1990!. PDE IV is purified to kinetic homogeneity by the sequential use of anion-exchange followed by heparin-Sepharose chromatography Torphy et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:1798-1804, 1992!.

Phosphodiesterase activity is assayed as described in the protocol of Torphy and Cieslinski, Mol. Pharmacol., 37:206-214, 1990. Positive IC₅₀ 's in the nanomolar to μM range for compounds of the workings examples described herein for Formula (I) have been demonstrated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic): ##STR6## wherein: R₁ is independently selected from --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) C(O)O(CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) C(O)NR₄ (CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, --(CR₄ R₅)_(n) O(CR₄ R₅)_(m) R₆, or --(CR₄ R₅)_(r) R₆ wherein the alkyl moieties may be optionally substituted with one or more fluorines;m is 0 to 2; n is 1 to 4; r is 0 to 6; R₄ and R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen or a C₁₋₂ alkyl; R₆ is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, hydroxyl, aryl, halo substituted aryl, aryloxyC₁₋₃ alkyl, halo substituted aryloxyC₁₋₃ alkyl, indanyl, indenyl, C₇₋₁₁ polycycloalkyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, furanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, thienyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, thiopyranyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, or a C₄₋₆ cycloalkyl containing one or two unsaturated bonds, wherein the cycloalkyl or the heterocyclic moiety is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 methyl groups, one ethyl group or an hydroxyl group provided that: a) when R₆ is hydroxyl, then m is 2; or b) when R₆ is hydroxyl, then r is 2 to 6; or c) when R₆ is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or 2-tetrahydrothienyl, then m is 1 or 2; or d) when R₆ is 2-tetrahydropyranyl, 2-tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, or 2-tetrahydrothienyl, then r is 1 to 6; e) when n is 1 and m is 0, then R₆ is other than H in --(CR₄ R₈)_(n) O(CR₄ R₈)_(m) R_(6;) X is independently selected from YR₂, fluorine, NR₄ R₈, or formyl amine; Y is independently selected from O or S(O)_(m) '; m' is 0, 1, or 2; X₂ is independently selected from O or NR₈ ; X₃ is independently selected from H, R₉, OR₈, CN, C(O)R₈, C(O)OR₈, C(O)NR₈ R₈, or NR₈ R₈ ; W is alkyl of 2 to 6 carbons, alkenyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms or alkynyl of 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of --CH₃ and --CH₂ CH₃ unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or more fluorines; s is 0 to 4; Z is independently selected from C(Y')R₁₄, C(O)OR₁₄, C(Y')NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NR₁₀)NR₁₀ R₁₄, CN, C(NOR₈)R₁₄, C(O)NR₈ NR₈ C(O)R₈, C(O)NR₈ NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NOR₁₄)R₈, C(NR₈)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NR₁₄)NR₈ R₈, C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₄, C(NCN)SR₉, (2-, 4- or 5-imidazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl), (4- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,3!), (3- or 5-triazolyl 1,2,4!), (5-tetrazolyl), (2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl), (3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl), (3- or 5-oxadiazolyl 1,2,4!), (2-oxadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-thiadiazolyl 1,3,4!), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-oxazolidinyl), (2-, 4-, or 5-thiazolidinyl), or (2-, 4-, or 5-imidazolidinyl); wherein all of the heterocylic ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by R₁₄ ; Y' is independently selected from O or S; R₇ is --(CR₄ R₅)_(q) R₁₂ or C₁₋₆ alkyl wherein the R₁₂ or C₁₋₆ alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted one or more times by methyl or ethyl unsubstituted or substituted by 1-3 fluorines, --F, --Br, --Cl, --NO₂, --NR₁₀ R¹¹, --C(O)R₈, --CO₂ R₈, --O(CH₂)_(q) R₈, --CN, --C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --O(CH₂)_(q) C(O)NR₁₀ OR₁₁, --O(CH₂)_(q) C(O)R₉, --NR₁₀ C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --NR₁₀ C(O)R₁₁, --NR₁₀ C(O)OR₉, --NR₁₀ C(O)R₁₃, --C(NR₁₀)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --C(NCN)SR₉, --NR₁₀ C(NCN)SR₉, --NR₁₀ C(NCN)NR₁₀ R₁₁, --NR₁₀ S(O)₂ R₉, --S(O)_(m) 'R₉, --NR₁₀ C(O) C(O)NR₁₀ R₁₁, NR₁₀ C(O)C(O)R₁₀, or R₁₃ ; q is 0, 1, or 2; R₁₂ is independently selected from R₁₃, C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, (2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl), pyrimidyl, pyrazolyl, (1- or 2-imidazolyl), pyrrolyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, furanyl, (2- or 3-thienyl), quinolinyl, naphthyl, or phenyl; R₈ is independently selected from hydrogen or R₉ ; R₉ is independently selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one to three fluorines; R₁₀ is independently selected from OR₈ or R₁₁ ; R₁₁ is independently selected from hydrogen, or C₁₋₄ alkyl optionally substituted by one to three fluorines; or when R₁₀ and R₁₁ are as NR₁₀ R₁₁ they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring comprised of carbon or carbon and at least one additional heteroatom selected from O, N, or S; R₁₃ is independently selected from oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, or thiadiazolyl, and each of these heterocyclic rings is connected through a carbon atom and each may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or two C₁₋₂ alkyl groups; R₁₄ is independently selected from hydrogen or R₇ ; or when R₁₀ and R₁₄ are as NR₁₀ R₁₄ they may together with the nitrogen form a 5 to 7 membered ring comprised of carbon or carbon and one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S; or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R₁ is --CH₂ -cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, 3-hydroxycyclopentyl, methyl or CF₂ H; X is YR₂ ; Y is oxygen; X₂ is oxygen; X₃ is hydrogen; R₂ is CF₂ H or methyl, W is 1,3-butadiynyl, and Z is C(O)OR₁₄.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 which is1,4-bis-{ methyl c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexane carboxylate!-4-yl }buta-1,3-diyneor, 1,4-bis-{ c-3-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-r-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid!-4-yl }buta-1,3-diyneor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 